Intro / general

• What are the two main branches of Islam?

  Sunni and Shi’a
• Which branch of Islam is the largest?

  Sunni
• What is the second largest branch of Islam?

  Shi’a
• What do Sunni and Shi’a Muslims agree on?

  Basic principles of Islam
• What is the shared holy book of Sunni and Shi’a Muslims?

  The Qur'an
• Why did the split into different branches of Islam occur?

  Disagreements on Muhammad's rightful successor
• Who do many Shi’a Muslims believe was Muhammad's chosen successor?

  Ali
• How is Shi’a Islam divided?

  Into three further branches
• What is the largest group within Shi’a Islam?

  Twelver Shi’a
• What is the role of an imam in Shi'a Islam?

  To interpret the Qur'an and laws
• How does the authority of an imam differ in Shi'a Islam compared to Sunni Islam?

  Imams interpret the Qur'an and laws in Shi'a
• What do many Shi’a Muslims think about the first three Sunni caliphs?

  They do not accept their authority
• What is the significance of the Qur'an in Islam?

  It is the holy book of Islam
• What is the role of community leadership in Shi'a Islam?

  Imams guide the community's religious practices